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Math Forum » Discussions » Math Topics » alt.algebra.help.independent

Topic: Problem 4
Replies: 3   Last Post: Apr 25, 2005 10:53 PM

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Casey Hawthorne

Posts: 68
Registered: 12/13/04
Re: Problem 4
Posted: Apr 25, 2005 10:51 PM
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Cramer's Rule is not used on a computer to compute the solution
vector, because the operation count is very^3 high!

However,
- to compute nxn matrices where n is less than 4 or 5
or
- if one wants to compute only one of the coefficients of the solution
vector
or
- the matrix has a parameter(s) in it
or
- on a test

then Cramer's Rule makes some sense!

I tell linear algebra students that linear algebra is only addition
and multiplication; however, if you find you are doing many
computations on an exam to get the answer, it "usually" means that you
are not using any of the nice theory that you learned in the course!

--
Regards,
Casey
Date Subject Author
4/25/05
Read Re: Problem 4
Casey Hawthorne
4/25/05
Read Re: Problem 4
Casey Hawthorne

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